2006 Mazda RX-8

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Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

This price range reflects for-sale prices on Cars.com for this particular make, model and year.

These city and highway gas mileage estimates are for the model's standard trim configurations. Where there are optional features, packages or equipment that result in higher gas mileage, those fuel-economy estimates are not included here.

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1-10 of 13 reviews

What else could you want in a car?

by Mitch from Minneapolis, MN | August 28, 2014

A few months ago I bought a used, black, Mazda RX-8 with black racing rims. The previous owner only racked up 24,000m, so I was really excited when I found this car.
I had previously worked in Brazil and drove a manual Peugeot down there for awhile. When I came back I wanted a nice, fun, sexy, manual. I also wanted much more power than the Peugeot gave me.
I saw this car at a local dealership and took it to my old mechanic. This man has worked on cars for over 20 years and he was floored by this car. Yes, it has a rotary engine which may cause problems for you around the 110,000 mile mark, but the positives outweigh the negatives.
1. I passed a car on the highway, going 105, in 5th, and the RPM never even touched 5. The hummmm that comes from this is incredible.
2. It's one of the sexiest cars I've ever seen. Like one reviewer before me said, I still look at my car after I lock it
3. The sound system in this car is amazing. I can rock out whenever I want.
4. This car doesn't pretend to be what it's not. This car is not practical, it's not for everyone. If you are young or old and want a sports car to fly around in, this is for you. If you have a family and want trunk space....this car is not for you.
In the end, this car may take a bit of maintenance in the long run, but that's the price you'll pay for driving a car like this.
I hope I didn't come off as a douchey sports car owner, I just really love this car!

Sexy!!

by Cole from Denver, CO | December 20, 2012

This car is a BLAST!! a little extra user maintanace needed (check the oil a couple times a month. this is normal for rotary RX motors as they inject oil into the Rotaries), but well worth it. FUN FUN FUN! super sexy styling that gets looks everyday - fun to see a brand new Audi driver staring you down.

Hot Rocket

by Mr. Baseball from New yORK | April 19, 2011

What a fun car to drive. When I hit 50, I went out looking for a sports car. This by far was best value for the money. Handles like a dream, but driving a 2 cylinder rotary engine is completely different than anything I had before. Really have to punch it to get torque, but above 5000, it is peppy enough. Of course, with the Shinka edition stiffness, suspension, etc. you can basically pivot on a dime. Fun, fun and more fun to go along with the sexy appearance. Only minor negative is the ventilation/AC which is slightly inadequate in a hot NY summer.

cant get rid of it

by LQ from DALLAS, TX | November 17, 2010

Okay...I have a fully loaded GT /nav in brilliant blue. I purchased this vehicle in 06 as a 04 model, I now have 83000 miles on it and want to upgrade to a better car. The problem is I can't find anything better, that's affordable of course. It's so hard to find the combination of good looks, performance, comfort, reliability,low maintenance, and a really nice sound system. I still look back at my ride! The only complaint I have is it needs more power. This is the reason this car isn't the success it should be. There is no need to trade up to a newer model because they are actually a bit slower, so Mazda please hurry w/the new 300hp rx7 so I don't have to switch companies and get a BMW. I'm begging! Yall if your considering this vehicle, please buy it. Its really a great fun everyday...fun everyday car. Get the nav if possible! BLESS

It's unlike any other car on the road.

by Tech Junkie from Sierra Vista, AZ | May 6, 2010

When Chuck Yeager strapped into the X-1 in October of 1947 he knew he was going to be part of something very, very big. The XLR-11 rocket engine that sat mere feet away from him was unlike anything they had thought to put in a manned aircraft either. It was this combination of gorgeous aerodynamic design mixed with the brilliant engineering is what would propel the world into the space age. The RX-8 was born of the same school of thought.
'Let's combine an aggressively aerodynamic shape with a small yet incredibly powerful engine that has no peer in terms of sheer originality' must have been the exact thoughts the design team at Mazda had when they put the Reneisis motor in a body that is equal parts hot-rod and experimental jet aircraft. The combination of the two is simply glorious, like running your hands down the bare-skin of a gorgeous woman while she whispers in your ear, this car will excite you to your very core.
The RX-8 is a pure sportscar, and those who claim it is overly tame are most likely dolts who think that a sportscar and a muscle car are one in the same. I assure you, they are not. A sports car glides through corners at speed, hugging the road with a certain calm control that almost makes you wonder why every car doesn't go to the trouble of doing so. A muscle car screams in a straight line, laying down the rubber from its tires in a way that is comparable to the launch of a space shuttle. It cannot maneuver, it cannot be truly comfortable, but it can go very, very fast, assuming it all stays in one peice.
A sports car on the other hand goes fast, but takes a little more time to get there and when it reaches that speed it is still calm and in control like a the Dhali Lama, but still nimble and beautiful like a Paris Opera ballerina. And like a ballerina this car might not be appreciated for the sheer art and complexity it brings to the table, but anyone who has a working pair of eyes will still appreciate the shape of it.
In all the RX-8 isn't a car for taking your children to school or lining up by the lights at the local drag strip. It is a car for a breath-taking drive through open country roads and technically demanding race tracks.

Fun to Drive

by 206JZZ30 from New Orleans, LA | March 31, 2010

Great zip and handling. 18-22 mpg tops regardless of how conservative you drive, city or highway miles. Premium fuel only. Surprisingly comfortable and roomy rear seat. No spare tire! Cupholder in center arm rest is poor position, (can't rest arm when drink in holder). Awkward position to check oil and must check oil every fill up since rotary uses oil. Have only needed 1 qt about every 5 fillups so far. Cruises very smoothly and easily at 80-90-100+ mph. Overall great driving experience-perfect balance between sporty and comfort for my tastes.

Favorite Car

by DailyDriver from St Paul, MN | November 24, 2008

I bought my 2006 RX8 GT a couple years ago and it has been one of the best cars I have owned. Although it is not as fast as a few other sports cars, it is definitely quicker than most vehicles on the road; as well, I would be willing to bet it can outhandle 9 out of 10 sports cars. Fully loaded, it has an abundance of premium luxury options to make you feel at home.
Great car!

Handling is the Key!

by Averren from Nashville, TN | August 22, 2008

Love this ride. I chose it over a 350 & Boxster for the handling alone. Granted the 350 might have more HP but when you rev that Rotary up to 9k heads turn! It's much lighter as well and you feel it when you enter those turns. The idea of that little Rotary putting out 240hp is amazing. The engine is actually smaller than the auto transmission! Overall a great little ride.
PS there is plent of RX8 owner sites on the web.

Most fun in a vehicle to date!

by RevSter from Wisconsin | August 18, 2008

Because of the engine's compact size, engineers were able to mount it further back in the RX-8's chassis, giving the car a coveted 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. This, along with balanced suspension tuning, sharp steering and a svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, makes the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 one of the best-handling cars on the market. It's certainly among the best sports cars available for less than $30,000, and deserving of any consideration you give it.

Exceptional Power and Excellent Handling

by Mazda Man from SunnyVale, CA | September 18, 2007

The Mazda RX-8 is the perfect sports car weather your a single person or a family person. While the back doesnt have too much leg room it does accomodate most people even adults. One thing to note is the RPMs this car can achieve (10,000). While the rev limiter cuts you off before then you still must remeber that these high revs (while cool sounding) cost you more on gas leaving the RX-8 with about 17 MPG for the sporty drivers and about 21 MPG if you dive with gas prices in mind (City). And on the highway usually 24 MPG. All around this is the perfect sports car for most. Most cars out there today dont handle like the RX-8. Exceptional Power and Excellent Handling make this car most forgiving in under/over steer. The DCS (Dynamic Stability Control) keeps your car in line with the road. All around you just want to drive this car for the heck of it.